NEH Public Scholars Program

Overview

<p>The Public Scholars program supports the creation of well-researched nonfiction books in the humanities written for the broad public.  It does so by offering grants to individual authors for research, writing, travel, and other activities leading to publication.  Writers with or without an academic affiliation may apply, and no advanced degree is required.  The program is intended to: a) encourage non-academic writers to deepen their engagement with the humanities by strengthening the research underlying their books; and b) encourage academic writers in the humanities to communicate the significance of their research to the broadest possible range of readers.  NEH especially encourages applications to this program from independent writers, researchers, scholars, and journalists.</p> <p>What’s new for 2020</p> <ul> <li>The program is now offering special encouragement to independent writers who do not have a long-term position at an academic institution.</li> <li>A free online information session for anyone interested in the program will be offered on Thursday, December 12 at 2 p.m. Eastern. Registration information can be found below and in the notice of funding opportunity in the executive summary (page i).</li> <li>A new initiative has been added: “A More Perfect Union”: NEH Special Initiative Advancing Civic Education and Celebrating the Nation’s 250th Anniversary.”</li> </ul> <p><strong>“A More Perfect Union”: NEH Special Initiative Advancing Civic Education and Commemorating the Nation’s 250th Anniversary</strong></p> <p>As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, NEH encourages projects that promote a deeper understanding of American history and culture and that advance civics education and knowledge of our core principles of government.  The agency-wide “A More Perfect Union” initiative will help Americans better understand the world’s oldest constitutional democracy and how our founding ideals are met in a modern, pluralistic society.</p> <p>NEH welcomes consideration of diverse topics in American history, from Native American culture to rural life to the rise of the industrial city, from the Civil War to the Cold War to the Civil Rights movement, projects that examine foundational documents in U.S. history, etc., as well as projects that examine historical objects, places, traditions, events, and individuals who collectively shaped our states and nation.  Applications about the contributions of under-represented communities are highly encouraged.</p> <p><strong>Standing Together</strong></p> <p>In recognition of the importance of the humanities both in helping Americans to understand the experiences of service members and in assisting veterans as they return to civilian life, NEH has launched a special initiative titled Standing Together: The Humanities and the Experience of War.  This special initiative draws on the power of the humanities 1) to support advanced research in the humanities that explores war and its aftermath; 2) to promote discussion and deepened understanding of the experiences of those Americans affiliated with the armed services, whether active duty or veterans; and 3) to support returning veterans and their families.</p>